Conditions
A read copy, but remains in excellent condition.
Formats
Conditions
A read copy, but remains in excellent condition.
Like one of the other reviewers (although for different reasons), I hope John Feinstein reads these reviews. Why? Because I thought the book was a superb and (finally) reality-based examination of the over-hyped phenomenon that is Tiger Woods.Feinstein is an excellent writer, and I have enjoyed all of his previous books. Unlike the ridiculous adulatory press that is usually given Tiger (for an example of this phenomenon, one need look no further than Jim Nantz of CBS and his breathless and embarrassing descriptions of Woods), Feinstein simply chose to expose some of his subject's very human foibles; he only wrote about things that actually happened but which most people have never gotten to hear about. By so doing, Feinstein provides some much-needed balance to the volumes that have already been written about this talented, but at times immature, player.My only complaint is that the book is so short. What Feinstein needs to do now is write a full-length treatment, along the exact same lines as this one. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.P.S. By the way, as I write this in the Fall of 1998, Feinstein looks even smarter than when he originally wrote the book, given that the "can't miss kid" hasn't won a major since the 1997 Masters. Maybe the hype's gotten a little out of hand? Just check out what Jack Nicklaus had accomplished by this stage of his career and you'll see what I mean.
The Library of Contemporary Thought Series is a great idea, but at nearly 9.oo a book it is steep. Feinstein's book provokes the reader with his opinions that are clearly stated and well supported. If you love Tiger, you'll hate Feinstein for bringing up the Woods' slips of fame. I found the book a quick read that provided insight in what I don't hear or read about in traditional sources.
Typical Feinstein: sharp, always interesting, lean, fast-moving prose, a bit ham-fisted and over-simplistic at times, but always rewarding. He's not at all easy on "Team Tiger" here, strongly pushing the point that we want to like Tiger, and don't need the spin control. Golf is an odd sport where the underdog isn't always cheered, or allowed to be an underdog for long. Tiger Woods is, unfortunately, another symbol of how money can ruin sports. But, by the same token, this book - no matter how well done (and it is) - is the very definition of backlash. - F. Harris
